Frugal Gourmet [Hardcover]

Jeff Smith (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 12, 1999

All the incredients that make THE FRUGAL GOURMET one of the most popular cooking shows on television are in this bestselling cookbook, including: a complete range of cooking techniques, advice on kitchen equipment, special hints and tips, exciting ideas for vegetarian meals, PLUS more than100 illustrations of recipes and techniques.


From the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 388 pages
• Publisher: Gramercy (April 12, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517203650
• ISBN-13: 978-0517203651
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best TV chef cook book we own ! July 1, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Mass Market Paperback

For those familiar with Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet, this book should be on your cookbook shelf and used often ! For those not familiar with him, get this book and you will get much of the feel of the TV show. Although we have not seen the TV show in quite some time, and believe it is no longer shown in the United States, it was one of the best cooking shows ever done. This book was the first in the series and out of the three we own, it's our favorite. There are sections on the spices and special tools he uses and the recipes are easy to follow and delicious. We especially like the Pan-fried chicken strips and Barbecue Shrimp, which we just had for dinner and inspired this review. If you doubt me, imagine a pound and a half of shrimp baked in a sauce containing bacon, margarine, dijon mustard, chili powder,garlic, thyme, basil, oregano, freshly ground black pepper, tabasco sauce, and crab boil. Served over plain white rice to soak up that sauce... Mmm Mmm...makes me want to go and make another batch right now ! O.K., you don't like shrimp, how about chicken? Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into pieces, sauteed in olive oil, green onions, garlic, marsala wine and lemon juice with freshly ground black pepper to top it off. You'll swear there's salt in it, but there isn't. There's lots more in there, so get the book !!!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cornucopia of Recipes March 28, 2000

By blender

Format:Mass Market Paperback

With recipes prepared on the popular public TV (PBS) program, The Frugal Gourmet, this cookbook covers a wide variety of styles, tastes, and meals. I started watching the show when I was still in high school, and began trying out these recipes by the time I was in college. I have had great success with every recipe I've tried from this book (such a small book, yet filled with information that would require more than 10 books combined to compile the gems in this one).

The recipes have a little history or story with each one, and are well-laid out. They are easy to follow, and I would assume, look and taste as good as one would expect Jeff's own results would. You can't go wrong with any of these.

Rosemary chicken, Mexican-style pork, Northern Chinese pork, are but a few main dishes that I've done with ease in my own kitchen.

This is not only a great cookbook, but also a wonderful reference for anyone who has a desire to start cooking or learn more about cooking to complement their skills in the kitchen. It is a shame that the TV program no longer airs (but all good things must come to an end).

Enjoy the recipes, and enjoy elevating your skills to gourmet standards!

Peace out.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars good basics, straightforward approach December 29, 2005

By Br'erRick

Format:Hardcover

I've been cooking since I was a kid. This was one of the first cookbooks I got for myself as a young adult away from home. Some of the information is outdated, but it remains a good primer for entry level cooks. It's also an interesting timepiece from the time of transition in the U.S. (late 70s early 80s), which, as I like to think of it, was from garlic salt to fresh garlic, if you know what I mean. Took what Julia Child and Alice Waters were contributing and gave us a frugal, direct everyday version of it.

A side note: Jeff Smith passed away last year. Despite the truth or not of the allegations from the men regarding incidents 20 yrs prior as teenagers, Jeff Smith did help contribute a great deal to the overall appreciation of food and its preparation in everyday life.